PhD in English in Washington United States | Howard University

Howard University's English graduate program cultivates exceptional scholars skilled in cultural studies, theoretical exploration, and literary analysis. Students can focus on African American, American, British, Caribbean, or comparative literary studies. Recognized as the nation's 7th best program by U.S. News, our African American Literature specialization acknowledges the African Diaspora's pivotal role in shaping modern history.
The English Ph.D. program at Howard's Graduate School develops outstanding scholars proficient in historical investigation, theoretical approaches, and critical analysis across diverse literary and cultural fields. We equip graduates to excel in securing postdoctoral roles, university faculty positions, and careers in both nonprofit and corporate sectors. Our coursework highlights analytical frameworks examining core literary elements including genre development, authorial methods, rhetorical approaches, recurring themes, and critical theory applications. This focus builds essential competencies in critical interpretation, research methodology, and historical contextualization necessary for groundbreaking academic work in specialized disciplines.